This was supposed to be a classic "day in paradise" during our vacation on Bantayan Island. We had planned to head over to Sandira Beach—which some people call Paradise Beach—to meet up with our friends and just enjoy the sun and the water. Jessa and I were both ready for a break, and Liam was in a great mood, even if he was sporting some "war paint" on his face from earlier in the day. It’s vacation, after all, so we’re letting him have his fun!
We started the day with a massive seafood lunch at one of our favorite spots in Bantayan. They have such an incredible selection there, and it’s become a bit of a tradition for us. Once we were fueled up, we made the drive over to Sandira.
Now, I have a bit of a history with this beach. The last time we were here, we parked at the Paradise Beach area and walked down because it was cheaper, but this time we opted for the closer Sandira entrance. It’s a bit pricier—70 pesos for adults and 30 for kids—but with the car parked so close, it felt like the smarter move.
I have to be honest, though: I had this "perfect" image of this beach in my mind from our last visit, and the reality this time was a bit of a letdown. The beach wasn't as clean as I remembered. There was a lot of seaweed and, unfortunately, quite a bit of trash washed up. It’s a shame because it’s such a photogenic spot, and people often post these "magic" photos that don't show the reality. On our channel, we’ve always agreed that what we see is what you see—no filters, no hiding the messy parts.
It’s frustrating because with those entrance fees, you’d think they could hire someone to keep the place clean. A daily salary here is about 400 pesos; one guy could probably have that beach looking pristine in a week. But it’s the Philippines, and sometimes you just have to accept these things and move on.
The weather also had other plans for us. Just as we were settling in with our snacks (Pringles and yogurt for Liam, of course), we started hearing thunder in the distance. We tried to ignore it for a bit, and Jessa and Liam even managed to get in some swimming. I wasn't really in the mood to get wet in that weather, but I had to go in anyway just to keep an eye on them for safety.
The rain eventually caught up with us, turning the day a bit gloomy. We didn't let it completely ruin our mood, though. We decided to pack up and stop by our friends' new place to see how they were settling in. They’ve found a decent spot for a third of the price of their previous place, which is a total win in my book.
Since the weather wasn't clearing up, we called it a day on the beach. Jessa and I decided to head out for a nice dinner at Kota, grab some snacks, and then just relax in bed while watching TV. Sometimes, even on vacation, a low-key evening is exactly what you need.
See you in the next one!
